Mid- to late September offers most of our rare chances to enjoy our east-facing deck in the evenings. Last week, Jasmine joined us for Pirate Booty, some really delicious pear-and-almond dark chocolate, and white port cocktails on the porch.

To make a white port cocktail: Peel a few green grapes and put in a glass with ice. Add 2-3 fingers of white port, depending on the size of the glass. Top with tonic. Better than the coldest beer on a hot day.